GOOGLE IT! MAKING SENSE OF INFORMATION LITERACY AND EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE

Abstract

When it comes to looking up for information, many people turn to Google. After all, Google is the most popular search engine worldwide and it houses an enormous amount of data. In this context, information literacy is crucial. Literacy in the information age means having access to and competence in evaluating information. It involves critical thinking skills and the ability to assess the reliability of sources or databases. Yet, it does not stop in there because evidence-based practice is another key concept in information literacy. The process of basing one's choices on the available data is what this term alludes to. Coming from the health sector, this is critical, as it impacts the consumers of healthcare services and, to some extent, the population's health. Bridging the gap is the collaboration between information scientist and health practitioner.